Day 5: Worth Listening

There's a famous TV advertisment where there's a group of people sitting at a crowded, noisy restaurant, when one very professional-looking guy turns to another and says, "My borker is E. F. Hutton... and E. F. Hutton says..." Suddenly everyone becomes quiet as they listen intently. Then the tag line appears - "When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen." Too bad we can't get E. F. Hutton to talk about stewardship. The mention of stewardship often ends conversations... but for an entirely different reason. People become quiet, not because they're intently interested, but because they're uncomfortable - or worse - disinterested. What is unfortunate is that reaction is often based on a misunderstanding of stewardship, and, as a result, people miss wonderful blessings.I was one of those people. Until I had the opportunity to listen to some people share their stewardship stories. I was moved by what I heard. They talked about their journey... how they, too, had struggled with the idea of tithing, but that once they made the commitment, even when they didn't think there would be enough money, somehow there always was. They learned to put their trust in God and they became what they Bible calls "cheerful givers". Best of all, they felt blessed!What a blessing to know God is faithful, that God's Word can be trusted! What a joy to know how good it feels to be giving - not out of obligation - but out of thanksgiving.To Ponder: - Most people readily share/listen to information about how to make money, but far less comfortable talking/hearing about giving money. Sharing our stories, and listening to the stories of others regarding their stewardship journey, can make such a difference in our faith life. What is it that makes us uncomfortable? How can we change that? Do we want to?

Prayer:Holy God, give me the courage and desire to continue my stewardship journey. Help me grow in faith to discover the blessings of knowing that I can trust in You and in your Word. Amen.